Planning the perfect sleepover
For most children, sleepovers are an important part of growing up; they can help to build friendships and develop their sense of independence and self confidence. For mums, hosting the perfect sleepover is a fine balance between being prepared, and being able to go with the flow – you never know what the night may bring!
As The Giant Sleepover approaches on the 19th June, our thoughts turn to planning the perfect sleepover. This is an annual event that helps raise funds for charities, including ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence), the UK’s only charity for children’s continence.
So we thought a tried and tested sleepover checklist would be a good place to start to ensure both mums and children enjoy themselves:
• The perfect number: keep the numbers down so the sleepover is easier to manage. It’s also good to invite an even number of children – that way no-one feels left out.
• Pillow prep: chat to other mums beforehand to make sure you have the right bedding for their child. Although often little ones bring their own sleeping bag, it’s always a good idea to have some spare bedding in case anyone forgets.
• Sleepover snacks: put together a little midnight snack pack for each child. That way, you’re in control of what they’re eating (avoiding too much sugar, of course), and the kids will be able to have a mischievous midnight feast. Try not to include foods that will make the children very thirsty and want to drink a lot before bed time.
• Time keeping: make sure all mums and children know the start and finish time of your sleepover. You’ll need time to prepare before everyone arrives and clean up when they all go home, so agree drop-off and pick-up times in advance.
• A little light entertainment: board games, DVDs and dress up clothes are a great way of entertaining the kids before bedtime. Keep the calmer activities for later so the children don’t get over-excited before bed.
• Phone facts: keep a list of all the other mums’ home and mobile numbers next to the phone. Some of your little guests may want to call their parents before bedtime, and it’s always good to have the numbers on hand in case you need to urgently speak to them.
• Be prepared: bedwetting is far more common than many people think, and sleepovers can often be a source of anxiety for children who suffer from bedwetting. Having a few night time pants on hand, like UnderJams™, is a sensitive way of handling the problem, should any of the children feel worried about wetting the bed.
Empowering children so that they don’t feel they have to miss out on important events like sleepovers, UnderJams is working with the charity ERIC to help manage and overcome bedwetting; building awareness around bedwetting and the facilities available to families.
Through the support of The Giant Sleepover, UnderJams hopes to help raise even more money for ERIC, so they can continue their good work supporting families and children. For more information on how to register for The Giant Sleepover visit www.giantsleepover.com and for more information on ERIC and the services they provide to the public go to www.eric.org.uk – or call their helpline on 0845 370 8008.
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